Frank J DeSantis

Frank J. DeSantis, 92, of Newark, passed away October 2 surrounded by family. Born in Philadelphia in 1930, Frank will now be re-united with his parents, Anna (Argenzio) and Armando DeSantis, and brother, Armand. He is survived by his beloved wife of 71 years, Helen Carol (Lerro), sister Mary Anne Stabilito (Ray), son Frank DeSantis (Rachel), daughters Diane DeSantis Hoffman (Howard), Cari DeSantis (Ben Vorhees), Helen Smith (Joe), and Gina Wilson (Kevin); grandchildren Anthony DeSantis (Katie), Frank DeSantis (Melissa), Christine Spellacy (Matt), Lisa Meyer (Kevin), Angela Florio (Matt), Cory Tull, Anna Rose Tull, Joseph Smith (Candice), Maria Elena Smith, Madeline Rose Smith, Christopher Wilson (Chloe) and Monica Joy Imbrenda (Mike); great-grandchildren Hannah, Caroline, Charlotte, Anthony, Ava, Brennan, Tess, Shane, Juliana, Timothy, Lucas, Kendall, Lacey, Hadley, Zoe and Gabriel. Frank was a loving patriarch, rarely missing family members' ballgames, dance recitals, concerts and school events, offering love and guidance in everyday conversations with those nearby as well as those hundreds of miles away. He loved a good pun and always had a story or joke to share with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often with a life lesson thrown in. He is revered within the family for preparing delicious antipasti on holidays.
Frank's career started when he was still a boy, serving customers in his father's tailoring and shoe repair shop. As a young man, he sometimes worked three jobs to support his growing family. Eventually, Frank's talents led him to sales. Selling for St. Joe Paper Company, Frank became a sought-after force in the corrugated box industry. He retired after serving a decade as Willamette Industries' General Manager of the Bellmawr, New Jersey, corrugated box plant. He held a deep respect for every employee in the plant's operation, sales and administrative team-his leadership trademark being a daily walk through the plant to solicit ideas from every contributor. Frank's retelling of negotiations with unions, customers, bosses, suppliers and employees rivaled any world-class MBA program and positively influenced many family members' conduct and choice of profession. A dedicated and respected leader, he especially enjoyed honoring staff through an annual holiday party held for employees and their families.
An avid golfer, Frank enjoyed years as a member of Cavalier's Country Club, traveled to signature courses nationwide, noted a few rounds at Torrey Pines as a highlight, and once hit a hole-in-one. With Helen, Frank traveled extensively, including trips to Italy where they visited their parents' birthplace, and to far-away places from Caracas to St. Petersburg. He hosted an annual family outing to cheer on the Philadelphia Eagles, complete with tailgating and a touch football game in the parking lot. Frank maintained lifelong friendships from his childhood in Philadelphia, cultivated new friends while traveling, and in his Newark community of 55 years through neighborhood parties and card games. He welcomed many to his home and was generous in spirit and deed.
Frank believed in working hard, persistence, respecting others, celebrating life, and, above all, in the love of family. He will be greatly missed.
A Mass Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday October 10th, at 11:30am at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 9th & DuPont Sts. Wilmington. Where Family and Friends are invited to visit after 10am. Interment will be held privately at the family's convenience.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Nemours Children's Health, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803 (www.nemours.org/givingtonemours.html).
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